frozen

Warmer weather means it's time for cool treats and our favorite frozen dessert is ice cream. It's such a versatile dish; it can be made in countless flavors and can be used in endless desserts — that's why we're screaming for ice cream this Summer! In our new series, we hope to provide you with the best ice cream ideas.

Although you can purchase a pint at practically every gas station in America, I prefer to make homemade ice cream. It tastes so much better and once you've mastered the basic technique, it's not that hard to make, as the process is similar for most flavors.

You do need time: the base has to chill before being put into an ice cream maker and the final churned mixture should freeze a couple of hours before serving. To kick-start the series, I've got an amazing recipe for coffee ice cream. Get started on it today and enjoy a bowl or two this weekend. Here's the recipe.

A long time ago, I was watching Martha Stewart, and she mentioned that her favorite ice cream was buttermilk flavored. For some reason, I've always remembered this, and when I purchased an ice cream maker, I was determined to make it. However, I got distracted by more glamorous flavors, strawberry, mint chip, vanilla bean, and only recently remembered my desire to try Martha's buttermilk ice cream.

Boy, does Martha know what she is talking about: this was one of the best ice creams I've ever tasted. It's creamy, but sorbet-like, tangy, and rich. One guest described it like frozen pound cake. Another simply could not stop mmm-ing. And me? I'm still dreaming of this lusciously wonderful ice cream. Although you need an ice cream maker, the recipe is shockingly easy. Learn it when you read more.

As a child, one of my favorite ice cream truck treats was the Drumstick. I loved the classic combination of vanilla ice cream, hard chocolate shell, and crunchy waffle cone. The Drumstick has always reminded me of Summer, so when I came across this recipe for a homemade take on the frozen dessert, I decided it would be perfect to serve at a Memorial Day barbecue. To prevent the ice cream from seeping out of the bottom, the cones are stuffed with malt balls. How clever is that? Get the recipe, which must be made in advance, when you read more

Right before the Fourth, I shed some light on the best foods to make when it's hot outside — including Summer-perfect desserts like frosty mojito cakes and spicy cantaloupe paletas. But my favorite frozen confections are the ones that remind me of my childhood — like red grapes straight out of the freezer and those triangle-shaped Minute Maid push pops (which, sadly, I haven't come across in ages). As for icy cocktails, I can never turn down a subzero piña colada. What are your favorite things to enjoy that are frozen?